Whether your budget is small or large, there are some design essentials to consider when upgrading a home. These include warming up spaces like kitchens and bathrooms by resurfacing cabinets and adding accent lights, choosing hard flooring like wood, concrete or tile instead of carpeting, and maximizing the use of lighting to enhance spaces. Storage space is also important to add through built-in furniture and shelving.

1. Whether your budget is small or large, here
are some design essentials you should know
when it comes time to upgrade your home.
design trends
s WARM IT UP
Strictly utilitarian is out when it comes to kitchens and
bathrooms. Rather than doing a complete kitchen
remodel, resurface cabinets and replace laminate
3 home improvement
ideas you can
do easily.
s
countertops to breathe new life into your kitchen. Select a cozy space in
Adding accent lights can create warmth. Spa bath- your home and create a
rooms with large whirlpool tubs, heated floors and “summer room.” Freshen
towel warmers are popular in upscale homes.
the walls with a hue found
More economical options include installing
on a warm summer day.
e
multiple shower heads and upgrading sink
Consider a flower bloom,
fixtures to create that high-end spa feel.
the sky or a vibrant green
CHOOSE HARD FLOORING from a favorite plant or vegetable
The biggest trend in flooring is the transition away from carpeting. as your inspiration. It’s a fun,
New wood products, contemporary linoleum, stained concrete inexpensive project that makes
n and travertine tile are being used not only in kitchens and
baths but throughout the entire home. Greener options
like bamboo and cork also prove durable and attractive.
Laminate and vinyl flooring are
you feel warm—even in the middle
of winter.
Great fabrics never go out
© 2009 Buffini & Company All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. LGK June CAP S
a less expensive alternative.
t
of style. Lighten up any
Consider pulling up old
room by replacing heavy
carpeting if you have wood
fabrics with light and airy
underneath, and refinish
ones. Old drapes can be
back to its natural beauty.
replaced with an open
i CREATE STORAGE SPACE weave fabric such as
Storage space is a must. chiffon or organza. Throw
Homes today feature walk-up pillows and slipcovers
attics, walk-in kitchen pantries and room-size bedroom also make a trendy statement.
closets. Builders are adding recycling bins and appliance garages in Add crisp white, a bright solid or
a kitchens, butler’s pantries and computer niches. Increase your storage
space with built-in dressers and shelving systems.
DESIGN WITH LIGHT
Lighting is being used in more dramatic ways than it has been in the
even modern, floral patterns for
accent and interest.
Do it with mirrors. A well-placed
l
mirror will add more natural light in
past. It enhances both traditional and contemporary living spaces.
your home and make any room look
Accent lights highlight architectural elements, uplights draw eyes to
a high ceiling, undercounter lights brighten countertops and dimmers larger and more appealing.
help set the mood in each room.
st a g i n g
IT’S ALWAYS TRENDY TO STAGE LIKE A PRO
Whether you are selling your home or just hosting friends and family, here are
some easy and inexpensive ways to make your home look its best:
• Place fresh flowers on tables. Replace unsightly artificial plants with real ones.
• Purchase a new shower curtain and white towels for the bathrooms.
• Select color-coordinated seat cushions and throw pillows for couches.
• Display a seasonal wreath or ornament.

2. The Kentwood Company
Park Place
stage your home for
5690 Dtc Blvd
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Greenwood Village, CO
80111-3224
u
Tom Cryer (800) 723-7653 x299
(303) 638-3202
c HOME STAGING IS AN EXCITING WAY TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL,
WARM ENVIRONMENT THAT CAN BE ENJOYED BY ALL.
Whether you are staging your home to sell, opening your home
Tom@DenverRealEstate.com
www.TomCryer.com
c to friends or you desire an instant face-lift, home staging is an easy
and affordable design option that can be done room-by-room.
• LIVING AREAS - When a room is in order, it looks good, feels good
10 inexpensive ways to e and allows potential buyers to visualize their own things in the home.
Make sure everything has its own place. Splashes of color can be
freshen up your home: achieved with flowers, artwork or accessories.
1 Buy new towels for the bathroom s • BATHROOM - Expect guests and prospective buyers to use your
bathroom. Make sure your towels are clean and properly hung up.
2 Upgrade outdoor lighting
3 Install new doorknobs and
cabinet handles
s A common trick is to place fresh white towels for display purposes
and keep your everyday towels out of sight.
• BEDROOMS - The biggest problem with staging a bedroom is to make
4 Make a centerpiece for your
dining room table sure there is ample storage available so that clothing and toys can be
put out of sight. Invest a little money in a good closet organizer and
5 Buy a new mailbox
you will be able to keep your bedrooms clutter-free and orderly.
6 Polish or replace your house numbers
• KITCHEN - A creative spice rack will keep your counters clean and can
7 Place fresh flowers or houseplants
bring some flair to your kitchen. Spices come in many different colors
around the home
and textures, so find a way to make them work for you. If you use
8 Buy color-coordinated pillows for copper pots, consider displaying them with a hanging pot rack.
the sofa and bed
• OUTDOORS - Keep your tools and the kids’ toys out of sight.
9 Replace your worn doormat
Maintain your landscaping properly; mow the lawn and trim the edges
10 Set out subtle potpourri or scented
regularly. Prune any bushes or trees that block the view out of your
candles
windows.
7 steps to prepare for an open house
1 ) Hire a cleaning service. A spotless, clean home shows off a home better
than anything.
2 ) Mow your lawn and make sure the yard looks great.
3 ) Park your cars away from the front of your house or driveway.
4 ) Lock up all your valuables, jewelry and money. Although your real estate
professional will be on site during the open house, it will provide
fewer temptations.
5 ) Turn on all the lights, even in the daytime. Incandescent lights add sparkle.
6 ) Send your pets to a neighbor’s house or take them outside. If that’s not
possible, crate them or confine them to one room and let your agent
know where to find them.
7 ) Visit friends or run some errands. It’s awkward for prospective buyers to
look in your closets and freely express their opinions with you there.